The Republican | Dave RobackFormer state Rep. Rosemary Sandlin and Agawam Mayor Richard C. Cohen take part in a debate moderated by Jim Madigan at WGBY Channel 57 studio. Sandlin and Cohen are running for Agawam mayor in the Nov. 8 election.

Questions were posed by Jim Madigan, who is producing the event as part of the WGBY’s Connecting Point series. Cohen and Sandlin will face off in the Nov. 8 election.

Sandlin criticized Cohen for using $1.7 million to $2 million in free cash each year to balance the budget, saying she would look at the budget “very frugally.” Cohen said that that is what free cash is typically used for.

“We aren’t spending beyond our means. My goal is to maintain services and keep people employed,” Cohen said, adding that Agawam’s budget is $10 million less than that of West Springfield, a comparably sized community.

Sandlin spoke about what she feels is a need to replicate the city’s industrial park at another location in the city. Cohen said land behind the former state training academy is now being looked at as such a site.

Sandlin expressed concerns that the Y-Express Cohen hopes to open to provide storefront YMCA services might compete with existing programs for youths in the community. Cohen responded that that the Y-Express would not duplicate any programs already being conducted in Agawam.

Asked about what would be done for seniors if she is elected, Sandlin said the Senior Center is a “fantastic” facility.

“I think it is a great program. I would not do a thing to that,” Sandlin said.

“The Senior Center is my proudest accomplishment,” Cohen said, accusing Sandlin of advocating under a previous administration that it be used for youth programs.

Sandlin said she has suggested the old Senior Center be used for after-school programs. Cohen said the structure is in need of extensive repairs.

Sandlin said she would like to see the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority establish a bus line that could help seniors get transportation from Main Street.

The mayor said he is in negotiations to get the PVTA to extend its route to Six Flags amusement park.